Meet Abby
![Abby Turner Portrait](/sites/default/files/styles/profile/public/2021-09/Abby%20Turner.jpg?itok=uoj2VtJT)
Name: Abby Turner
Major: Music Education
Minor: Theatre
Hometown: Miller
Graduation year: 2022
Why did you choose SDSU?
I think I first started considering SDSU when I attended All-State Music Camp on campus in 2016. While there, I got the chance to meet and connect with the incredible music faculty and see myself performing at State. As I started looking closer at colleges in my senior year of high school, I realized just how many opportunities there would be for me to perform—whether in choir, theatre, private voice, dance or bands; they wouldn’t be able to keep me off the stage here!
What drew you to your major?
The music education program here is renowned for its great curriculum and even greater professors. Nothing beats learning how to teach from fantastic teachers! The School of Performing Arts as a whole is staffed with truly wonderful people. They make it clear that they genuinely care about us and our success. I feel like I could go to any of them with questions, concerns or just to talk things out when I’m not sure what I’m doing.
What are your favorite memories performing with an SDSU ensemble?
Performing with the Concert Choir in Italy was an unforgettable experience. The repertoire we performed was so incredible; the cathedrals and churches we got to sing in were breathtaking, and the sound of the ensemble was unmatched. Not only was it a musically enriching experience, but getting to see a country that beautiful with some of my closest friends in the world is a memory I would not trade for anything.
What has been your favorite class?
My favorite class is masterclass and Friday Forum! I love getting to hear my friends sing and watch our voice faculty clinic them. It’s really amazing watching my peers grow over time not only in musical ability, but also in confidence and pride in their singing. I especially love the atmosphere of support and encouragement amongst all of the voice students—we all want nothing but to see each other succeed!
Meet Andrew
![Andrew Deaver](/sites/default/files/styles/profile/public/2021-09/Andrew%20Deaver.jpg?itok=lHlk-GDS)
Name: Andrew Deaver
Major: Music Education
Hometown: Sioux Falls
Graduation year: 2023
Why did you choose SDSU?
I have a long family tradition that runs through this university. Both of my parents went to this school and my grandfather worked here.
What drew you to your major?
I've always had a strong passion for education. There are few feelings better than watching a student/ensemble grow and being able to hear the progress as you instruct them.
What are your favorite memories performing with an SDSU ensemble?
I've loved going on tour with the Wind Symphony to Nebraska. The music during that cycle was extremely impactful to my view on programming concerts and music as a whole. I felt a lot closer with the whole ensemble after that tour.
What has been your favorite class?
My favorite class is String Pedagogy because it challenges my ear and my musical mindset in a way that is different from every other music class so far.